Gaanesh R. Awasthi is a dynamic leader and visionary social entrepreneur, best known for founding and serving as President of the Awasthi Foundation. Guided by a deep commitment to community welfare, Gaanesh stepped into action during the COVID 19 pandemic — when fear and uncertainty made essential resources nearly impossible to access — and emerged as a true COVID warrior. He mobilized swiftly to secure beds, food, masks, and accurate information, demonstrating fearless leadership at a time when others retreated. Under his stewardship, Awasthi Foundation has grown into a transformative force in Chembur and Ghatkopar, championing four key pillars aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 1.Quality Education (SDG 4) 2.Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8) 3.Gender Equality (SDG 5) 4.Good Health & Well Being (SDG 3) This alignment ensures that under Gaanesh’s leadership, the Foundation not only transforms lives locally but also contributes to targets like inclusive education, decent work, gender parity, and community health—as set out by the UN. Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Gaanesh is also an avid fitness enthusiast and runner, balancing personal wellness with his broader mission. His inclusive leadership style builds strong stakeholder relationships, fosters talent pipelines, and sustains lasting community impact. Altogether, Gaanesh R. Awasthi leads with heart and insight, exemplifying how focused, compassionate leadership can bring lasting change. Under his guidance, the Awasthi Foundation continues to uplift communities and inspire sustainable transformation.

Shilpa Awasthi is a senior HR professional with over 20 years of experience across industries such as BPO, manufacturing, education, and media & entertainment. She holds a Master’s in HR and an executive certification in HRMS from IIM-Calcutta. A DISC-certified coach, Certified Compensation & Benefits Analyst, and freelance POSH trainer, she has led end-to-end HR functions, from talent acquisition to separation, including greenfield projects, divestitures, and large-scale expansions. Known for her strategic partnership with business leaders, Shilpa collaborates closely with CEOs and department heads to shape HR frameworks, policies, and manpower strategies that drive organizational growth. Her strength lies in developing high-performing teams, improving employee engagement, and aligning people practices with company goals. She has consistently delivered value by combining practical HR execution with a deep understanding of people and processes. Shilpa’s involvement with the Awasthi Foundation reflects her strong belief in the power of education and skill development as tools for social transformation. She contributes her HR expertise to help design impactful community programs that equip underprivileged individuals—especially youth—with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed. Through the Foundation, she continues to apply her passion for people development to build stronger, more empowered communities.

Paras holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Mumbai University. At Awasthi Foundation, he plays a pivotal role in managing Donor Relations and allied initiatives. He leads the fundraising efforts across all programs, including mobilizing support for new projects and expansion plans. With a focus on both corporate and retail donors, Paras is responsible for overseeing end-to-end donor engagement and operations, ensuring lasting partnerships that fuel the Foundation's mission.

Ashi Ramlakhani is a passionate and dedicated operations professional at the Awasthi Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in executing day-to-day programs and ensuring smooth functioning across all initiatives. A proud graduate of Mumbai University, Ashi began her career as a school teacher—an experience that deepened her understanding of education’s transformative power. Her early years in teaching ignited a lifelong calling: empowering underprivileged children. She found immense satisfaction in reaching out to students who often lacked the most basic educational support, nurturing both their academic progress and personal growth. Joining the Awasthi Foundation was a turning point for Ashi. With each kit distributed, skill-building workshop organized, and awareness session delivered, she’s infused her role with profound purpose. Delivering programs on-ground—from coordinating educational sessions, assisting in career mentorship, to supporting health and gender awareness initiatives—has given her a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning. Ashi believes wholeheartedly in education as a doorway to opportunity, and her empathetic, hands-on approach ensures every program is delivered with precision, care, and compassion. Her colleagues often commend her for her organizational skills, her calm efficiency under pressure, and her unwavering dedication to the children and families served by the Foundation. In her own words, working with the Foundation has “…given meaning to my life,” a sentiment echoed in the radiant smiles of the children she believes in and helps uplift every single day.

A seasoned legal professional with a Master of Law (LL.M) specializing in Constitutional Law, Deepti, brings over a decade of experience across diverse legal domains. She began her career as an in-house lawyer in India, where she spent five years advising on regulatory compliance, contract law, and corporate governance. Deepti's strong foundation in constitutional and public law has enabled her to navigate complex legal frameworks with clarity and precision. Her association with the Awasthi Foundation stems from a personal belief in equal access to opportunity. Having witnessed the transformative power of education and support, she is committed to contributing her time and skills to empower underprivileged children and communities. Through the Foundation, she channels her passion for justice and equity into tangible impact at the grassroots level.